Chinese delegates visit innovation centre on tour

Government representatives from the Guangxi Zhuang region in south China included Fareham Innovation Centre as part of a fact-finding trade mission.

With 15 workshops and 24 offices, and next to Daedalus airport at Lee-on-the-Solent, the centre is run for start-ups and early-stage firms by innovation centres specialist Oxford Innovation.

Richard May, the centre’s incubation director, organised the visit after networking with a British Chamber of Commerce initiative involving trade links to China.

The 24-strong delegation was keen to see how the centre has created a thriving ‘ecosystem’ with occupiers, large employers, local and central government, further and higher education establishments and the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.

Chris Allington, the managing director of Oxford Innovation, said: ‘This compelling mix, where innovation flourishes, has caught the imagination of the Chinese.

‘They regard Fareham Innovation Centre as a prototype and our model could be the next British export to China.’

Afterwards, Mr May said: ‘Oxford Innovation forges links with most key global economies to best usher our customers wanting to trade internationally. Indeed, we recently held a roadshow at the centre on how small-to-medium-size enterprises can do business in China, with a focus on the significant manufacturing province of Guangdong.

‘The link strengthens our support for product prototyping and contract manufacturing in China and there is a possible opportunity for Oxford Innovation and its partners to create an efficient UK-wide gateway to China for innovators.’

Launched in April 2015, the £5.3m Fareham Innovation Centre is operated by Oxford Innovation on behalf of owner Fareham Borough Council; full house was called in spring, two years ahead of schedule.

In total, there are 110 people working for 27 businesses on site, plus a further 36 businesses using drop-in facilities.